Kevin Durant will be the biggest name hitting the market in 2016 and several teams are already preparing themselves to chase the former MVP with big money. Durant has stayed very tight lipped about what his plans are once his contract expires as there are mixed reports about what "inside sources" believe his intentions really are. While some believe Durant is ready to bolt for a bigger market, the latest piece of news says Durant actually favors returning to the Thunder.
According to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com, the expectation around the league is that Durant will re-sign with Oklahoma City next summer. Berger reports that Durant will likely follow in the footsteps of players like DeAndre Jordan, Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade and simply stay put. However, he does believe there are a few teams with a real chance at making a run for the star and the Washington Wizards lead the group.
The Wizards have based most of their free agency moves this offseason with the idea that they will acquire Durant next year. According to the Washington Post they are trying to negotiate an extension with Bradley Beal with the intention that he will sign this year and give the team more financial flexibility next year. Washington is banking on getting Durant.
Berger reports that the Lakers or Knicks could also make a real run at Durant in the coming year. Both teams offer the big markets that the star wants, but do they have the enticing roster? Both the Lakers and Knicks are coming off down seasons in the league while making just minor improvements to the roster. Phil Jackson told the media that in order for the Knicks to attract big names in free agency, they must first start by winning games.
"We need to win, be a competitive team," Jackson said, via ESPN.com. "I think we showed agents and players around the league a serious nature of what we're trying to accomplish. People who know basketball will recognize that, and we'll have people who want to come here."
The Lakers are in the same position after failing to acquire any big names in free agency. The team will be moving past Kobe Bryant next season and hope to acquire Durant to ease the transition. For now, the star is not saying a word about the summer of 2016, so the Thunder take the lead in the race.
